The 49ers envision safety Mark Roman as a backup in 2009, so they have given him permission to seek a trade, his agent confirmed.
"That's why coach (Mike) Singletary is going to be such a great coach," said agent Albert Elias, who represents Roman. "He is so honest with his players, and that's all Mark could ask for. Coach Singletary told him he thought his role was going to be as a safety on nickel and dime situations. So he'd play all third downs, but he probably wouldn't be a starter."
The nugget was first reported by The Sporting News.
The 49ers said they were not going to release Roman, but they extended the courtesy of allowing him to seek a trade, Elias said. Roman is in the final year of his contract and is scheduled to earn $900,000 in base salary in 2009.
The 49ers have penciled in Dashon Goldson to be the starting free safety next season. Roman, a nine-year veteran, has started 48 consecutive games since arriving with the 49ers as a free agent in the summer of 2006.
"Mark wants to stay in San Francisco, but he also wants to be a starter," Elias said. "If he has to be in a limited role, he'll do that. We appreciate the 49ers giving Mark an opportunity to find a starting job."
The 49ers gave Roman's agent permission Tuesday to seek a trade. The process has just started. If he can't find a trade, Roman is expected to return to the 49ers as a backup.